Working Machine Setting Updates via Server-Managed Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems do not facilitate easy updating of setting information for working devices connected to the machine body of a working machine.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that allows for the transmission of setting information between a working device and the machine body using a communication cable and connector, enabling easy updating of control programs and settings through a communication network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If setting information is written to the controller device using the method in Patent Document 1, then the setting information can be properly written to the controller device, but the system cannot easily update setting information of another working device connected to the vehicle body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to update setting information of working devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of the communication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can write setting information to controller devices (original function from Patent Document 1) and also update setting information of working devices connected to the vehicle body (new function). The system achieves universality by enabling the same communication infrastructure to serve both controller devices and working devices through standardized communication protocols and interfaces, allowing a single system to handle diverse updating needs without requiring separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication connections and preparing update processes before actual setting information updates are needed. The communication system is pre-configured with the ability to connect to multiple working devices, and update processes can be initiated in advance, ensuring that when updates are required, the system is already positioned to perform the update efficiently without requiring complex reconfiguration at the moment of update.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a communication system is designed to update setting information of multiple working devices, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to communicate with multiple working devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of communication network configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into modular components that can independently communicate with different working devices. Each working device can be updated through individual communication channels or protocols, allowing the system to manage multiple devices without requiring a monolithic complex configuration. This segmentation enables the system to scale adaptability by adding or removing device connections without fundamentally redesigning the entire communication architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs intermediary communication protocols and interfaces that facilitate interaction between the central communication system and multiple working devices. These intermediaries standardize the communication process, allowing diverse working devices to be updated through a unified interface without requiring the system to manage the full complexity of each individual device's communication requirements directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3851592B1Communication system for working machine
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3851592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851592B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3851592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a communication system for a working machine (1) capable of easily updating setting information of a working device (2) connected to the machine body (3). A communication system for a working machine (1) includes: a machine body (3); a working device (2) provided on the machine body (3) to perform work; a communicator device (46) to receive setting information relating to setting of the machine body (3) or the working device (2); and a controller device (40), the communication system being configured to transmit the setting information from a server (47b) to the working machine (1). The server (47b) determines a transmitting operation to the working machine (1) based on a response result of the communicator device (46) when the server (47b) communicates with the communicator device (46) to transmit the setting information, and the communicator device (46) determines an accepting operation for the setting information depending on a status of the working machine (1).